Submitted by lmcshane on Mon, 06/26/2017 - 13:06.
Mountain Maryland is train country. Aficionados collect memorabilia and lovingly restore engines to the glory of the American Railroad era. But, Maryland's Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has not been managed as effectively as the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. A mine collapse under the WMSRR and the delayed repairs crippled businesses like the Trail Inn in Frostburg. The Trail Inn is now in foreclosure with the Progress Fund selling the property at short sale - just as their business has returned. I hope a young couple will see the benefit of this opportunity and relocate to Frostburg and join the resurgence happening there as part of the Trail Town economy.
The bike aboard program with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad continues to generate weekend and summer tourism between Cleveland and Akron. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a major family destination. We need to appreciate this resource. It draws families to our region and builds a trail economy that supports recreation and the quality of our life here. I hope that the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad will learn from the model set by the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Families will use the train - everyday- in the summer for family excursions and exercise, if they can provide an affordable bike-aboard program, like the program managed by the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.